Last updated: August 2026 · By Ioneon Travel
Quick answer: Some of the best beaches in Zakynthos you can drive to; the very best ones you reach only by boat. Here are the ones worth your time in 2026 — and how to get to each.
Boat-only gems
- Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) — the icon. In 2026 you can't land, but you see it from the water or the clifftop platform. *(See our full Navagio guide.)*
- White Beach (Aspri Ammos) — a bright, remote north-coast beach reached by boat, with calm clear water for swimming.
- The Blue Caves — not a beach but the best swim on the island, in glowing blue water. *(See our Blue Caves guide.)*
- Marathonisi (Turtle Island) — a protected islet in the south where you may spot turtles; landing only in the permitted cove.
Reach these with the Shipwreck & Blue Caves excursion, the Land & Sea tour, the Marine Park trips, or your own self-drive boat.
Easy to reach
- Xigia — a small north-east cove with natural sulphur springs that leave your skin soft; a great final swim stop on a boat day.
- Gerakas — a beautiful protected south-coast beach (a turtle-nesting site — respect the rules and the roped areas).
- Kalamaki & Banana — long sandy south-coast beaches, easy for families.
- Porto Limnionas — a rocky west-coast swimming spot with deep, clear water.
How to see the best of them
The trick is combining land and sea. A Land & Sea day links the north-coast beaches with the Shipwreck view and a Xigia stop, while a private charter lets you build your own beach-hopping route.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best beach in Zakynthos?
Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) is the most famous, though in 2026 it's viewed from the water or the clifftop rather than visited. For swimming, White Beach and the Blue Caves in the north are hard to beat.
Which Zakynthos beaches can you only reach by boat?
Navagio, White Beach and the Blue Caves in the north, and the Marathonisi cove in the south.
Which beaches are best for families?
The southern sandy beaches like Kalamaki and Banana, plus Gerakas (with respect for the turtle-nesting rules).
What is Xigia beach known for?
Its natural sulphur springs, which make the water feel silky — a popular final swim stop on north-coast boat trips.
Plan your days
Ready to plan it properly?
Tell us your dates and group size. We will match you to the right route, timing and departure point.
